CINCINNATI—Clinical trials are underway for a new illumigene CMV molecular amplification test, Meridian Bioscience Inc. reported in August. The assay specifically detects congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns using saliva. The CDC reports that congenital CMV infection, which occurs in one of every 200 babies, results when a baby is born with a Cytomegalovirus infection. Mothers can pass CMV to their children during pregnancy, and this infection can result in developmental disabilities such as hearing and vision loss, cerebral palsy, mental disability and even death. At present, there is no FDA-cleared test to screen for CMV in newborns.

“We are excited to initiate clinical trials for this important new test as part of our commitment to expand the menu of illumigene to include new and novel ways of improving healthcare and impacting human lives,” commented Richard L. Eberly, company president and chief commercial officer.